Narcissists are known for their manipulative and toxic behaviour, often playing people off against each other in order to satisfy their own egos and gain control in their relationships. This kind of behavior can be incredibly damaging to those involved, causing emotional and psychological harm. In this article, we will explore how narcissists use tactics such as gaslighting, triangulation, creating competition, provoking jealousy, playing favourites, spreading rumours, scapegoating, playing the victim, and making comparisons to manipulate and control those around them.
Gaslighting:
Gaslighting is a manipulative tactic in which a narcissist seeks to make a person doubt their own perceptions, memories, and sanity. They may deny something that they said or did, claim that the other person is overreacting, or twist the truth to make the victim question themselves. This can lead to confusion, self-doubt, and feelings of inadequacy in the victim. Gaslighting can be incredibly damaging to a person’s mental health, leading them to question their own reality and making them more susceptible to the narcissist’s manipulation.
Triangulation:
Triangulation is a tactic that narcissists use to create competition and jealousy among the people around them. They may talk negatively about one person to another, compare them to others, or withhold affection and attention in order to make the victim feel inadequate and insecure. By doing this, the narcissist is able to maintain control over the relationship and keep their victims on edge.
Creating competition:
Narcissists thrive on attention and admiration, and they will often play people off against each other in order to boost their own ego. They may praise one person to another in order to provoke jealousy and competition or create situations in which the people around them feel like they have to vie for the narcissist’s approval. This can lead to feelings of insecurity and inadequacy in the victims, as they compete for the narcissist’s attention and affection.
Provoking jealousy:
Narcissists may deliberately provoke jealousy in their victims as a way to maintain control in the relationship. They may flirt with others, mention ex-partners, or spend time with someone else in order to make their victim feel insecure and unsure of the relationship. This tactic is used to keep the victim on edge and under the narcissist’s control, as they seek to gain the upper hand in the relationship.
Playing favourites:
Narcissists often play favourites in their relationships, giving more attention and approval to one person while disregarding or belittling others. By doing this, they seek to create division and insecurity among those around them, as they vie for the narcissist’s approval and affection. Playing favourites can lead to feelings of inadequacy and resentment in the victims, as they perceive themselves as less important or worthy of the narcissist’s attention.
Spreading rumours:
Narcissists may spread rumours and gossip in order to manipulate and control those around them. They may spread false information about someone in order to undermine their credibility, or make up stories in order to create drama and conflict. By doing this, the narcissist is able to maintain control over the narrative and manipulate the perceptions of those around them.
Scapegoat:
Narcissists often use the tactic of scapegoating in order to deflect attention away from their own actions and behaviour. They may blame someone else for their mistakes or shortcomings, or use them as a target for their anger and frustration. By scapegoating someone, the narcissist is able to avoid taking responsibility for their own actions and maintain their position of power and control.
Playing the victim:
Narcissists may also play the victim in order to gain sympathy and manipulate those around them. They may exaggerate their own suffering or portray themselves as the victim in order to garner attention and support from others. By doing this, the narcissist is able to deflect blame and create a narrative in which they are the innocent party, while their victims are the ones at fault.
Comparisons:
Narcissists will often make comparisons between their victims and others in order to create insecurity and competition. They may praise someone else in order to make their victim feel inadequate or highlight the shortcomings of others in order to boost their own ego. By making comparisons, the narcissist is able to maintain control over the perceptions of those around them and keep their victims on edge.
In conclusion, narcissists use a variety of manipulative tactics to play people off against each other in order to satisfy their own egos and maintain control of their relationships. By using tactics such as gaslighting, triangulation, creating competition, provoking jealousy, playing favourites, spreading rumours, scapegoating, playing the victim, and making comparisons, narcissists are able to manipulate and control those around them, causing emotional and psychological harm to their victims. It is important to recognise these tactics and seek support in order to break free from the toxic influence of a narcissist.
Check these out!
15 Rules To Deal With Narcissistic People.: How To Stay Sane And Break The Chain.
Narcissists Handbook: The ultimate guide to understanding and overcoming narcissistic and emotional abuse.-1
Boundaries with Narcissists: Safeguarding Emotional, Psychological, and Physical Independence.
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9 Tactics Narcissists Use To Play People Off Against Each Other.
